Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Training topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioner: earmarked training funds arrived; vendors ready and staffing cap close
Summary
Commissioner John told the board ANF has transferred earmarked training funds and vendors (Carol Center for the Blind and Massachusetts Association for the Blind) are ready; staff will issue purchase orders. He also discussed work on the FY26 budget, a personnel cap, and upcoming hires.
Commissioner John reported that funds earmarked for assistive‑technology and training have been transferred and that vendors are ready to begin work.
"We were waiting for had had come through so it was actually the funding for the earmark for the training ... the vendors are waiting for you guys," John said, noting the Carol Center for the Blind and the Massachusetts Association for the Blind are prepared to schedule training now that money is in place. He said the commission will issue purchase orders soon.
John also described the agency’s FY26 budget preparations and staffing. He said the personnel cap for the commission—set by EHS and ANF based on available funding—is 141 positions and that the agency is close to that level. He announced a new chief financial officer will start next week and that several other positions remain in the interview process.
Justine Mir, deputy commissioner, summarized program activity and trainings: staff and a consumer recently attended a Randolph‑Shepard / BLAST conference and regional teams are running events such as a winter social for children and families this weekend. Commission programs continue to host in‑service trainings, job fairs and partnerships with colleges and the VA to expand reach and consumer supports.
Commission members did not take a formal vote on budget items during the meeting; John asked members to share ideas from other states and conferences as the agency refines FY26 planning.
